Matagorda County officials are working to restore systems after a recent ransomware attack locked files on county computers. IT staff shut down access to prevent further damage, but no services were hijacked, and no personal data appears compromised. County Judge Bobby Seiferman said full restoration could take two more weeks, with systems coming back online … Read more
Cleanup is underway at the site of a former agricultural warehouse in El Campo, destroyed in an August ’23 fire. Crews began dismantling debris ahead of a court-ordered deadline, aiming to clear the lot by today, except for four storage tanks. The city took legal action to ensure cleanup, with fines of $260 per day … Read more
The 15th annual Trivia Night in Jackson County is set for March 7th. The Eleanor Brackenridge Literary Club invites local teams to join the fun competition, aiming to raise scholarships for youth. Businesses, families, and organizations can form eight-person teams to compete. The event includes a silent auction and card raffle, with all proceeds supporting … Read more
Wharton County has $6.8 million in unclaimed funds for its residents. However, many haven’t claimed the money, which ranges from pennies to thousands. El Campo alone has just under $2.7 million divided among 33,418 parcels. County officials and local finance directors could claim small amounts. Residents can find out if they have unclaimed property by … Read more
A 15-year-old student from Bay City High School was arrested early Tuesday morning for a felony terroristic threat. A photo with threats against Bay City Jr. High and High School students circulated Monday night, prompting parents to alert local police. The threat targeted students on Tuesday during school hours. Bay City ISD emailed parents about … Read more
Casa Jalisco, a Mexican restaurant on N. Laurent St., managed to stay open Thursday despite an immigration raid that resulted in some employees being detained by ICE. A manager confirmed the raid happened earlier in the week and described the situation as frightening for the business and community. Meanwhile, two other local Mexican restaurants were … Read more
El Campo residents interested in running for District Council have nine days left to file for the 2025 General Election. Four district seats are open, and candidates must live in the district they wish to represent. The elected term runs from May of ’25 to May of ’27. Candidate packets are available at City Hall, … Read more
The Bay City Police Chief Christella Rodriguez assured the community, in a social media post, of its ongoing dedication to safety and justice. While immigration enforcement is a federal matter, their main focus remains local law enforcement and crime prevention. They encourage residents to report criminal activities and assure that every community member is valued … Read more
Law enforcement officers in Wharton County will receive increased benefits thanks to the 100 Club, which raised death benefits from $100,000 to $300,000. The group honored top officers and support staff at its annual gathering in El Campo, where outgoing president Billy Freeman expressed gratitude for their service. New District Attorney Mark Racer highlighted local … Read more
At the 100 Club of Wharton County’s annual banquet, Sheriff Shannon Srubar praised the dedication of the Wharton County Sheriff’s Department. Srubar highlighted their achievements in ’24, including becoming a certified training provider and promoting the department’s first female captain. He praised officers, jailers, and support staff for their commitment, citing nearly 27,000 service calls … Read more